Top 10 Tips For Dating Online /
Online dating is growing in popularity and is no longer a last resort for people over the hill or unlucky in love. People are even turning to the internet as the first stop when looking for a partner.
But there are still some people that will use the internet as a weapon to take advantage of vulnerable women. And so take heed of our Dating Wizards’ top 10 tips to dating (safely) online.
1. Choose a well know dating website /
We (of course) are strong ambassadors of using a safe and respected website that has guidelines and restrictions in place to stop any abuse or offensive behaviour. Ultimately, it is your time and money spent looking for the perfect partner, and so it is important that you do it in a place you feel comfortable and can navigate easily, whilst boasting all the aspects you need from a dating site.
2. Keep personal information to a minimum /
Small pieces of information can be gold dust to an internet hacker, looking to steal your identity. Don’t publicise information such as the year of your birth, or your home or work address. Remember that there is an abundance of internet scams going on every day, so never offer to give any money to anyone, despite the sob story. Keep communications via the dating website.
3. Be cautious /
We’re not saying that you have to think the worst of people to stay safe online, but there are little signs that the person you are talking to is trying to take you for a ride. Discrepancies in the facts he gives you, or in his stories is a sure sign of a scam.
4. Be wary of sending photographs /
We would recommend that you are chatting for at least a couple of months before you start exchanging photos. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment but remember that at the beginning, the person is essentially a complete stranger. Trust your instinct – take your time. There’s no rush!
5. Be honest /
If and when you do decide to exchange photos, try and make sure it’s a recent one, not one of you 10 years ago! Same goes for any information you give about yourself (like and dislikes etc). With the cover of the internet it’s tempting to ‘embellish’ certain aspects, but you’ll get found out at some point and it could jeopardize a potential relationship.
6. Do your research /
7. It can’t harm to have a little look on Google /
Don’t turn into a stalker, and private detectives definitely aren’t necessary, but you’re safety is the most important thing, and with the plethora of information available on the internet, you would be stupid to not do a little background check!
8. Meet in a public place /
If you do decide to meet up, choose a venue where there are lots of people, where you wont be along. If possible, choose somewhere you visit regularly, so that you know the area and the people that work there just in case things don’t go as planned.
9. Meet during the day /
This ensures that you don’t loose track of time and find yourself in a difficult situation, being that the only way to get home is to have your date drop you off. Organise a lunch date, or a trip to a museum or matinee performance, so that you know you can always get home without relying on your date.
10. Tell a friend what you are doing /
If you do decide to meet up, remember to tell a friend where you are going, that will be close by in the area in case things don’t go as you planned. Always keep your phone on your person, and don’t get into a car or let him drop you home on the first few dates.